May 22, 2025 | Weekly Newsletter

The Council of Bishops has given the movement of United Methodism a new vision statement regarding our shared ministry.

The old vision statement spoke of "making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."

For me, the reshaped vision is much more compelling and juicy. I'm excited to serve in a denomination that encourages boldness, joy, and courage while offering the teachings of Jesus. I never loved the notion of "making disciples". Making disciples feels like folks seeking transformation are acted upon rather than acting in communion with the Holy and each other.

So what does this mean, Hennepin Avenue UMC? It means that as we go about our ministry together we remember the ways our world and our very selves long for the people of Jesus to embrace bold, joyful, and courageous witness.

This summer we will lean into hearing each other's stories and celebrating the way that we are spirit people hungry for revival. As we hear about our strategic ministry plan and explore the ways we are each called to ministry, we will lift up boldness, joy, and courage.

God is growing grace here. Along with the pumpkins and herbs being planted and nurtured on our grounds, our hearts are stretching for the sun of fruitful discipleship.

The harvest is delicious.

Pastor Elizabeth

Benefit Concert: Ekaterina Knyazeva and Anton Melnichenko

Sunday, May 25 | 5pm | Sanctuary

This stunning duo will perform a varied and lively concert of four-hand piano works, including Claude Debussy's Petite Suite, Francis Poulenc's Sonata, 

and pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach.

They will also welcome their friend and Minnesota Orchestra violinist Natalia Moiseev to play César Franck's Sonata for Violin and Piano and Alfred Schnittke's Suite in the Old Style. Read More

Pastor Laura's Farewell Reception

Sunday, June 1 | 11am

Please join us to honor Pastor Laura Hannah on her final Sunday with us! During worship, there will be time to honor and celebrate her. Following the service, there will be ice cream!

On Sundays 5/18-6/1, we will have a basket in Carlson Hall after the worship service to drop off cards for Pastor Laura. We will also have notecards available to write words of gratitude, or a memory you would like to share with her. Read More

Congregational Meeting

Sunday, June 8 | After Worship

On June 8th we'll gather following worship for a chance to:

• Hear about our Strategic Ministry Plan

• Approve our delegates for Annual Conference

• Affirm the membership of the Lay Endowment Fund board

We will gather after worship and adjourn at noon! Bring yourself and your excitement for Hennepin Avenue UMC's future.

The Sunday Snack is Coming!

Beginning June 1

While brunch takes a hiatus for the summer (giving the volunteers a break), starting Sunday, June 1 we will be serving the Sunday Snack after worship!

What’s the Sunday Snack? It’s a chance for people to get together over a light meal of a sandwich, some fruit, coffee, and water. There may even be home-baked treats! Join us in Koinonia Hall on the lower level for fellowship, conversation, and connection throughout the summer!

Bells of the Lakes Spring Concert

Saturday, June 7 | 7-9pm

Please join us as we celebrate the final concert this spring! Hennepin Chime will also be playing a few pieces. The concert will take place in Hennepin's beautiful Art Gallery as part of the Hennepin Music Series.

Bells of the Lakes, founded in 1996, is a Twin Cities community handbell ensemble. Read More

Loring Park Neighborhood Party

Wednesdays, June 11 & August 13 | 5-7pm

Join us at the Hennepin Avenue UMC parking lot for two evenings of community celebration. These events aim to bring people of all ages together, fostering connections within the Loring Park community.

Enjoy live music, a variety of food trucks, a bounce house, face painting, a lemonade and popcorn stand, yard games, an aisle of local artist vendors, and more! Meet and greet with local political leaders, discuss community issues, and engage with your neighbors. Read More

This Week in Hennepin History

Written by Phil Wala

The cornerstone for Hennepin Avenue Church was laid on May 24, 1914. 

Read More About Hennepin History, and See "Then and Now" Photos of the Fowler Church Building

Mother Root © Jan Richardson. janrichardson.com

Baptism | Remi Jaqua Siebold

Sunday, May 25 | 10am Worship

Remi Jaqua Siebold will be baptized during Sunday Worship. Parents: Kyle and Bethany Siebold.

In Memorial | Carolyn Diane Radke

July 14, 1942 – January 15, 2025

A Memorial Service will be held at Hennepin Avenue UMC on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 11am.

10am Visitation

11am Memorial Service

12pm Reception

Read Obituary

What We Learned Last Sunday

Learning & Fun Sunday

We had another guest teacher and fun activity! Dan Dahm joined us to teach about the Three Sisters Garden and then we worked together to clean up the old garden and plant the new one. Some of our kids even remembered taking the kernels off the corn last year, and that was what we planted this year!

Coming Up this Sunday

May 25: Movie Time

We will celebrate the end of the program year by watching a video and enjoying popcorn!

To submit event announcements to be published on the public events calendar, please send all the details to communications@haumc.org.

To plan your event, including reserving rooms, email scheduling@haumc.org.

For story ideas or editorial content, you can email commsdirector@haumc.org. All content is subject to the discretion of the editorial team.

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church www.haumc.org